Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi hails Lookman as a game-changer for Atalanta.

De Rossi

Atalanta will miss Ademola Lookman when they face Genoa this weekend in Serie A and during the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Genoa head coach Daniele De Rossi described the Nigerian winger as a decisive presence, capable of shifting the balance on any pitch.

Genoa will host Atalanta in a matchday 16 clash, with the visitors traveling without Lookman, who has departed to represent Nigeria at AFCON.

Ademola Lookman

De Rossi openly praised Lookman, saying:

“I confess that if I were to coach Lookman, I’d always want him on the pitch because in Serie A he can make the difference and shift the balance. We’ve also seen how dangerous the other players on the bench are, but having him or not certainly changes things.”

Atalanta currently sit 12th with 19 points, while Genoa are 16th with 14 points, struggling close to the relegation zone. Although Lookman hasn’t reached peak form this season, his constant threat from the left flank is well-recognized. The 28-year-old has scored two goals in 11 Serie A matches this campaign and remains a key starter under head coach Raffaele Palladino.

Since joining from RB Leipzig three years ago, Lookman has contributed 55 goals and 26 assists in 134 appearances, highlighting his consistent influence for Atalanta.

Now, his focus turns to international duty, with a starting role expected against Tanzania in Nigeria’s opening Group C fixture on Tuesday. Lookman was instrumental in the 2023 AFCON final, helping Nigeria reach the tournament decider in Ivory Coast.